Goalkeeper scores as Baglan Dragon make statement against Llantwit Major

Baglan Dragons picked up their second win of the season as they put four goals past Llantwit Major.

Baglan were two up twenty minutes into the first half playing direct and with pace. They were very effective cutting out Llantwit’s attempts to mount an attack. Tom Randell gave them the lead in the 8th minute with Jonathan Davies adding the second in the 20th. Llantwit did manage a fightback before the break and Mathew Kimmins made it 2-1 in the 37th minute.

Llantwit made a good start to the second half and pushed Baglan back. The Dragons after soaking up the pressure caught Llantwit with a counter and Levi Waters extended their lead. In the 67th minute Baglan keeper scored from a free kick on the edge of his own box to make it four.

Llantwit manager Steve McCarthy-Campbell then made a controversial change as he subbed off keeper Sam Goodwin, replacing him with Ryley Allen. Llantwit fought to find a way back but met a wall of Baglan defenders.

Baglan move up to fourth place on seven points two points behind the top two. Llantwit are now in tenth spot.

Baglan got off to a good start with an early goal. From a corner to the far post Levi Waters headed back across goal to find Tom Randell who headed in from close range.

Lewis Holmes had a chance as he turned in the box and hit a shot at goal. Sam Goodwin able to save at his near post.

Nathan Evans saw his shot blocked after the ball came to him following Rob Jones’ corner.

Llantwit gave the ball away in a dangerous area and Jonathan Davies took full advantage. Davies lifted the ball over Goodwin to extended the Dragons lead.

Llantwit came back into the game and James Dixon put an effort over the bar. They kept up the pressure and Tom Tweedy’s effort was saved by Stanton but Mathew Kimmins was quickest on to the ball and fired home.

The host’s made a good start after the break and forced Baglan back. Llantwit kept the ball well but were unable to create any clear cut chances.

After weathering the Llantwit pressure Baglan caught them with a quick counter to make it 3-1. Moving the ball upfield quickly to Levi Waters in the box. Waters hit a shot that Llantwit keeper Sam Goodwin failed to hold on to as the ball slipped through his hands.

Ten minutes later and Baglan had their fourth. Keeper Mathew Stanton lined up a free kick on the edge of his box and launched it forward. The ball sailed across the pitch and over Goodwin to make it four one.

Ryley Allen was then brought on to replace Goodwin in a move that was unpopular with the Llantwit supporters.

Llantwit fought hard to find a goal but Baglan were resolute and held firm against the Llantwit pressure.

Full Time: Llantwit Major 1-4 Baglan Dragons

Llantwit Major: Sam Goodwin (G) (Ryley Allen 70), Jamie Miller (C), Sean Kelly, Jonny Invernizzi, Nathan Evans (Callum Pearce 71), Chris Bell, Mathew Kimmins, Tom Tweedy, James Dixon (Thomas Lillico 71), Rob Jones (Danny Woolfenden 64), Owain Edwards (Finlay Hayman 64).

Goals: Mathew Kimmins 37.

Yellow Cards: Jonny Invernizzi 30.

Baglan Dragons: Mathew Stanton (G), Ryan Morgan, Jack Fleming, Lewis Holmes (C), Leon Croucher, Jonathan Davies, Joshua Williams (Keiran Parsons 84), Luke Evans, Levi Waters (Jandir Zola 78), Tom Randall (Iestyn Madden 88), Thomas Davies.

Goals: Tom Randell 8, Jonathan Davies 19, Levi Waters 56, Mathew Stanton 67.

(Pic By John Smith/FAW)